dc.description.abstract | Use of mechanised armoured combat vehicles in military operations among civilian population - out-of date or operations for the future? The uses of Mechanised Armed Combat Vehicles (MACV) in stability and UN peace-operations have traditionally been controversial in the West. The intent of this study is to examine how well suited MACVs are when conducting military operations among civilian populations. It will further examine the relevance of the experiences gained with MACVs during UN operations in the 1990’s concerning ongoing and possible future operations. The inquiry utilizes a qualitative method, including study of literature and eleven personal interviews. Mobility, protection, firepower, and perception represent the theoretical foundation. The results indicate that western popular perceptions of MACVs are not in accordance with the perception of the population in the operational theatres. Experiences gained by Norwegian and Danish officers do not indicate a negative impact on the local populace. Their experience shows a clearly positive effect at the tactical level as long as the locals perceive the use of MACVs to be proportional to the threat level. MACVs have the capacity to handle changing threat levels, they have a physiological impact, and they offer a tremendous technological advantage. Their surgical capacity may prevent collateral damage and reduce the need for air strikes. In comparison, un- and lightly armoured vehicles are seen to be less flexible over a broad spectrum of threat levels. Ideally, a force commander ought to be able to choose between capacities. The capacities should therefore either be accessible in the operations area, or be ready to deploy | en_US |